Paris, the intellectual hub of Europe, is a premier destination for academics and professors worldwide. Whether you're coming to Paris for a sabbatical, research project, or academic mission, this guide will provide essential information to make your stay smooth and enjoyable. From finding the perfect academic rental in Paris to navigating the city's cultural landscape, we've got you covered!
What Is a Visiting Scholar?
A visiting scholar, scientist, researcher, fellow, lecturer, or professor can take on various roles during their temporary stay at a host university. Whether teaching, lecturing, or conducting research in their area of expertise, these scholars play a crucial role in enriching the academic environment. Typically, these scholars receive their salary from their home institution, especially during sabbatical leave, though some positions may offer additional compensation.
Their stay, ranging from a few months to a year, is usually by invitation from the host institution, which may also provide accommodation called staff housing or academic rental. Such invitations recognize the scholar's prominence and aim to enhance the University's intellectual and research environment.
How Do Visiting Scholar Contribute to Hosting Academic Institutions?
Visiting scholars contribute to the academic community by delivering formal lectures, engaging with graduate students, collaborating on research, presenting guest seminars, and participating in the University's seminar series. These activities enrich the institution and promote valuable collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Which Parisian Universities and Institutions Recruit Visiting Scholars?
Université Paris Cité: Visiting Teacher-Researchers
International visiting teacher-researchers are welcomed into the teaching and research teams at Université Paris Cité for a funded short, medium, or long-term scholar stay (up to two years).
Visit their website:
https://u-paris.fr/en/visiting-teacher-researchers/
Cité internationale Universitaire de Paris
Sciences Po: AxPo Visiting Scholars Program
Sciences Po extends a warm invitation to senior academics to apply for research stays in the heart of Paris. Visiting scholars will have the unique opportunity to collaborate closely with affiliated research centers in the fields of sociology, political science, economics, and history, including the Center for European Studies and Comparative Politics (CEE), the Center for the Sociology of Organizations (CSO), the Center for Research on Social Inequalities (CRIS), the Center for Political Research (CEVIPOF), and the Department of Economics. The visit AxPo program provides desk space and a stipend to help cover the short-term cost of living in Paris. While PhD students may also apply, no funding is available for this category.
Visit their website:
https://www.sciencespo.fr/axpo/call-for-applications-for-axpo-visiting-scholars/
CY Cergy Paris University: Visiting Researcher Programme
The Visiting Researcher program, funded by CY Cergy Paris University, invites international researchers to spend several weeks working on a scientific project in collaboration with one of the CYU laboratories.
Visit their website:
https://advancedstudies.cyu.fr/english-version/browsing/fellows-visitors-visitors/visiting-scholars
IRIF (Institute for Research in Foundations of Computer Science): Visiting Researcher program
IRIF (Institute for Research in Foundations of Computer Science), a joint lab of CNRS (French National Center for Scientific Research) and Université Paris Cité, invites scholar visitors in the computer science field every year for funded visiting researcher programs for short to long periods of several months, including sabbaticals. IRIF offers funding for visits through its resources, research grants, or joint applications with funding agencies affiliated with IRIF.
Visit their website:
https://www.irif.fr/en/informations/visit
HEC Paris: Visiting Professors & Research Fellows
HEC Paris, a leading academic institution, welcomes Visiting Professors to teach and conduct research. Research Fellows, who are full-time researchers, spend 12 to 18 months at HEC Paris. During this time, they receive academic support to develop their research agenda after completing their Ph.D.
Visit their website:
https://www.hec.edu/en/visiting-professors-research-fellows
IAS (Paris Institute for Advanced Study): Visiting Fellows
The Paris Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) is a research center specializing in social sciences, humanities, and cognitive neurosciences. It collaborates with major Parisian higher education and research institutions. Each year, the Paris IAS institution hosts internationally renowned scholars for five to ten months of research on innovative projects in the humanities, social sciences, and related fields.
Visit their website:
https://www.paris-iea.fr/en/fellows
The American Library in Paris: Visiting Fellowship
Founded in 1920 by the American Library Association, the American Library in Paris is Europe's most prominent English-language lending library. Each semester, the American Library in Paris offers the Visiting Fellowship to support writers and researchers in pursuing creative projects in Paris. The fellowship, which includes a $5,000 stipend, is a testament to the Library's commitment to supporting scholars, covering travel, accommodation, and living expenses, and connecting fellows with local resources and contacts to aid their work.
Visit their website:
https://americanlibraryinparis.org/about-the-visiting-fellowship/
Finding the Ideal Academic Rental in Paris
Neighborhoods Ideal for Academics
When searching for academic rentals in Paris, consider neighborhoods near university research centers. These neighborhoods offer a pleasant environment that can be as vibrant or as calm as you prefer, ensuring you feel comfortable and at ease. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Paris for academics:
Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement):
As a historic academic center, the Latin Quarter is home to the Sorbonne University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe, and other esteemed institutions such as the École Normale Supérieure (ENS), Collège de France, Institut de France. It's a place of honor and respect for academics and professors, offering an intellectual atmosphere full of bookshops, literary cafés, and easy access to academic resources.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement):
Known for its charming streets and historic literary cafés, including Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area combines a rich academic history with vibrant cultural life. It’s ideal for those who appreciate charming Parisian streets, historic cafés, bookshops, authentic bistros, and proximity to various academic institutions such as Sciences Po (Institut d'Études Politiques de Paris) École des Beaux-Arts.
Le Marais (3rd and 4th Arrondissements):
Known for its trendy vibe, numerous museums, and art galleries, Le Marais offers a balance of academic and cultural experiences. It is an excellent choice for academics wanting to explore Paris's arty, cultural, and fashion side.
Furnished vs. Unfurnished Rentals
For temporary stays, furnished rentals are often the best choice. They offer convenience and comfort, allowing you to focus on your academic work rather than setting up a home. If you're looking for an academic rental in Paris, connecting with a reputable local rental agency can be a great starting point. Since 1987, Paris Rental agency has been working with numerous universities and institutions to provide housing solutions for visiting scholars, professors, and researchers. Their extensive experience providing rental properties for academics ensures a smooth process, from finding suitable accommodations, handling lease agreements, opening utility accounts, managing internet subscriptions, and assisting in subscribing to home insurance.
Type of Lease for Academic Rentals: Code Civil Lease
The Code Civil Lease is a specialized rental agreement governed by the French Civil Code, designed to accommodate specific housing needs, which differs from conventional leases (bail Loi Alur). The Code Civil lease offers flexibility in terms of lease duration, lease terms making it ideal for visiting scholars for a defined period who do not intend to relocate permanently to Paris. This flexibility ensures that your housing arrangements can be tailored to your specific needs and academic mission.
The Code Civil lease is particularly suitable for two scenarios:
Secondary Residence Lease
Staff Housing (Logement de Fonction)
- Purpose: This lease is also commonly used for staff housing, where an individual receives a housing allowance from their employer—such as a university, research institution, or company—during their academic mission in Paris. Staff housing offers stability and convenience for professionals and academics, often including tailored support like furnished accommodations and rental costs covered within the employer-provided housing allowance.
- Employer Involvement: In the case of employer participation, the employer takes care of the rental arrangements, signs the lease, and pays the rent for the company accommodation, according to company policy. Lease conditions are adapted to the employer's requirements for the assignment or duration of the university contract.
Lease Agreements and Regulations
Before you sign any lease agreement in Paris, it's crucial to understand the French lease terms fully. To avoid surprises, ensure you are clear on utilities, maintenance responsibilities, the rental deposit, and the notice period.
Academic and Professional Resources: Libraries & Academic Networking in Paris
Top Libraries in Paris
Paris offers a range of libraries and research facilities, including:
Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF)
The Bibliothèque Nationale de France (BnF) is one of the world’s largest and most renowned libraries, serving as France’s national library. The BnF supports scholarly research and engages the public through exhibitions, lectures, and cultural events, making it a central hub for intellectual and cultural activities in France.
The French National Library(BnF) has four sites in Paris, each with its focus and resources:
1. François-Mitterrand Site (Site François-Mitterrand)
- Overview: This is the largest and most modern of the BnF’s sites, notable for its striking architecture designed by Dominique Perrault. It features four distinctive glass towers and extensive research facilities. The site houses many books, manuscripts, and digital resources, including reading rooms, exhibition spaces, and specialized collections.
- Location: Quai François Mauriac, 75006 Paris (Métro Lignes 6 - Quai de la gare, Ligne 14 - Bibliothèque François Mitterrand, RER C - Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand)
Bibliothèque François Mitterrand
2. Richelieu-Louvois Site (Site Richelieu-Louvois)
- Overview: This site, located in a historic building, focuses on rare books, manuscripts, prints, and maps.
Location: 5 Rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris (Métro Ligne 3 - Bourse, Lignes 7 et 14 - Pyramides)
La salle Ovale après restauration © Jean-Christophe Ballot / BnF / Oppic
3. Arsenal Library (Bibliothèque de l'Arsenal)
4. Bibliothèque de l'Institut de France
Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève
Nestled in the historic Latin Quarter of Paris, the Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève is celebrated for its tranquil atmosphere and architectural elegance. Established in the 19th century and designed by architect Henri Labrouste, this library is renowned for its beautiful ironwork and spacious reading rooms. It holds a significant collection of books and scholarly materials, particularly in the humanities and social sciences.
The American Library in Paris
The American Library in Paris, established in 1920 with books and periodicals donated for American soldiers during World War I, is now Europe's most prominent English-language lending library. As a non-profit cultural association incorporated under Delaware law, it offers an extensive collection of books, periodicals, and digital resources. The Library not only provides valuable resources to the English-speaking community in Paris but also hosts a wide array of cultural events, lectures, and educational programs, fostering a dynamic cultural exchange and supporting the literary and intellectual life of the city.
Academic Networking in Paris
Participate in academic events such as conferences and seminars. Websites like LinkedIn, Eventbrite, and Meetup often list academic gatherings and professional networking opportunities. You can also join academic societies and associations in Paris to help you build a strong academic network that may open doors for collaborations, research opportunities, and professional growth.
Some of the most famous academic societies and associations in Paris are:
- Overview: This site, located near the vibrant Bastille neighborhood and housed in a historic building formerly an abbey, focuses on manuscripts and early printed books. It holds a significant collection of rare and valuable texts, especially in literature and history. The library also hosts exhibitions and academic events related to its collections.
- Location: Location: 1 Rue de Sully, 75004 Paris (Métro Ligne 7 Sully - Morland)
-
Overview: Located within the Institut de France in the 6th district of Paris, this site is primarily dedicated to the Institut's collections, including rare books and manuscripts related to French cultural and intellectual history.
- Location: 23 Quai de Conti, 75006 Paris (Métro Ligne 10 Mabillon, Ligne 4 Saint-Germain-des-Prés, RER B & C - Saint-Michel Notre-Dame)
- French National Academy of Sciences (Académie des Sciences)
- Society of Friends of the Archives of France (Société des Amis des Archives de France): This society is involved with archival science and history.
- Linguistic Society of Paris (Société de Linguistique de Paris): An essential association for those interested in linguistic studies and research.
- French Management Association (Association Française de Management—AFM): This organization focuses on management and business research and organizes conferences and networking events.
- Association of Friends of the Musée d'Orsay (Association des Amis du Musée d'Orsay): Participate in cultural and art events and connect with professionals in the field of art and cultural heritage.
Best Cafés for Academic Discussions in Paris
Paris has a rich history of intellectual discourse, with cafés as hubs for scholars, writers, and thinkers. Whether you're looking for a quiet corner to ponder ideas or a lively atmosphere for a debate, here are some of the best cafés perfect for academic discussions in Paris.
Les Deux Magots (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)
Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Les Deux Magots is one of Paris's most iconic literary cafés. Frequented by intellectuals like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, it offers a historic ambiance ideal for deep discussions. The spacious seating and rich cultural history make it a top academic choice.
Café de Flore (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)
Just beside Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore is another legendary spot. Known for its classic Art Deco interiors and as a former haunt of philosophers and writers, it provides a stimulating environment for academic exchanges. The outdoor seating is perfect for people-watching while engaging in thoughtful conversation.
Shakespeare and Company Café (Latin Quarter)
Attached to the famous English-language bookstore, the Shakespeare and Company Café is a haven for book lovers and academics alike. The cozy space offers stunning views of Notre Dame, and its proximity to major universities makes it a convenient spot for quick meetups and intellectual exchanges.
Le Pavillon des Canaux (19th Arrondissement)
For a more unconventional setting, Le Pavillon des Canaux offers a unique environment where every room in the café is designed like a different part of a house. This playful, creative atmosphere can be incredibly inspiring for brainstorming sessions or collaborative academic projects.
Following this guide will prepare you for a successful and enjoyable academic stay in Paris. If you have any questions about finding an academic rental in Paris or and need our help to find the right home for you, please contact Paris Rental for personalized support!
Français
